Non-fault bike accident
claim help for couriers
You’ve been nudged off route, orders are late, and your bike might not feel right. The clock keeps ticking and your earnings depend on staying mobile. You want steps that protect your position, avoid traps, and get you back on shift without stress or guesswork.
This guide gives you a 24-hour essentials checklist, a 30-second route chooser (other insurer, your insurer, credit hire, MIB), how to prove need for a like-for-like hire bike, and the pitfalls that create later bills. Everything is linked to official sources you can check yourself.
Rules To Follow
Two rules shape your next moves: if you couldn’t swap details at the scene, report within 24 hours; and notify your insurer even if you won’t claim. Check the rules on GOV.UK and MoneyHelper
Quick routes
| Route | When it fits | Fast win | Watch-out |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other driver’s insurer | Liability is clear; you want to avoid paying excess | Often quicker repair authorisation | You self-coordinate comms/repairs |
| Your insurer | Prefer your policy network; comprehensive cover | Familiar process | May pay excess first; NCB terms apply |
| Credit hire | You need a like-for-like bike to keep earning | Courier-spec bike possible | Must prove need and mitigation; see GTA: GTA PDF (Accessed 20 Aug 2025) |
| MIB (uninsured/untraced) | TP uninsured or untraced | Safety net for edge cases | Untraced property is limited; see MIB: MIB PDF (Accessed 20 Aug 2025) |
After a non-fault motorbike crash in England, swap details or report to police within 24 hours if you couldn’t, capture evidence, and notify your insurer even if you won’t claim. Then choose a route: other insurer, your insurer, credit hire (prove need), or MIB if the driver is uninsured or untraced.
What should I do in the first
60 minutes after a non-fault
bike crash?
Safety & legal basics
Stop safely. If you can’t swap details, report within 24 hours per GOV.UK. Take names, addresses and reg numbers. Move to a safe place before recording the scene. One calm minute now prevents weeks of friction.
Evidence you won’t regret capturing
Save helmet-cam or dash-cam clips. Photograph wide and close angles, plates, positions, road signs and any debris. Note time, exact location and lane. Collect witness contacts. For couriers, screenshot your shift timeline, route and order IDs—they help justify like-for-like later.
Notify your insurer (even if not claiming)
Most policies expect notification after any incident. Logging the facts and taking a reference number protects your position while you decide the best route. See :
If the bike isn’t rideable
Arrange recovery and secure storage quickly to avoid penalties or secondary damage. If you need practical help, view Recovery & Storage: https://accidentassistnetwork.co.uk/recovery-storage. Keep receipts and note dates—your diary shows you’re mitigating costs.
Why “credit hire” needs proof
(and what GTA is) ?
Credit hire supplies a temporary like-for-like bike, often recovered from the at-fault insurer. It isn’t automatic or “free”—you must show need and mitigate loss. The GTA—an industry accord—aims to reduce disputes but is not a guarantee. Read the current wording (17 Mar 2025)
Context-appropriate internal links (help-first):
Replacement Vehicles (courier-spec bikes)
Vehicle Repairs (manufacturer-standard)
How do I get a like-for-like hire bike
without later headaches?
What “like-for-like” really means for riders
For couriers, “like-for-like” usually means engine class, courier spec (top-box, lock), and ULEZ expectations for London. Tell the provider your usual load and hours. Hiring above your need may be challenged; hiring below your need may be unsafe or impractical.
Build a proof pack (kept simple)
Shift screenshots for the affected days
Order IDs / route logs from your delivery app
No spare transport note
Damage photos + repair ETA from a repairer
Diary entries showing you reduce idle days
Table — Proof pack vs purpose
| Item | What it shows | Useful when |
|---|---|---|
| Shift screenshots | You needed to work | Credit hire justification |
| Order/route logs | Frequency & earnings context | Proportionality of hire |
| Damage photos + repair ETA | Bike genuinely unusable | Hire duration reasonableness |
| No-spare-transport note | No alternative to keep earning | Need for like-for-like |
| Dated diary entries | You’re mitigating costs | Avoiding storage/hire drift |
Courier insurance basics (why H&R matters)
Delivery platforms expect the right cover (e.g., Hire & Reward vs SD&P). Knowing your policy helps justify like-for-like need. See Deliveroo’s overview
What’s the difference between uninsured and untraced for property damage?
Uninsured driver (identified, no insurance)
If the at-fault driver is identified but uninsured, the MIB Uninsured Drivers Agreement can step in for eligible losses (England). See MIB Agreements hub: Check time limits and evidence
Two-minute self-check
Do you know the other driver’s identity?
Is your policy comprehensive?
Is the £400 property excess acceptable under MIB rules?
If unsure, review the links above and speak to your insurer.
How do I spot crash-for-cash red
flags and protect my claim?
Patterns seen in UK press
Reports highlight brake-tests, staged merges, and moped/scooter setups in city traffic. See coverage in The Guardian: Published 22 May 2024; Accessed 20 Aug 2025.
H3: Practical defence
Keep your helmet-cam charged and time-synced
Save raw clips; don’t overwrite
Photograph positions/plates immediately
Note time/location in your phone
Stay calm; don’t escalate; report as required
Why national stats still matter
Provisional DfT data gives annual context and informs safety campaigns. Always quote the cut and date when citing figures. See the Report
Important Information
Accident Assist Network assists you after a non-fault accident by co-ordinating vehicle recovery, reputable repairs, cash-in-lieu settlements for total-loss vehicles and like-for-like replacement hire—whether for personal use, licensed taxi work or bike—through our network of independent specialist companies across England.
Because our role is one of practical facilitation rather than financial advice, we are not authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority, and our services are not covered by the Financial Ombudsman Service or the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.
If the at-fault insurer delays or disputes payment you may become liable for credit services or other charges set out in your contract. Please read every document thoroughly and, if anything is unclear, ask us—or an independent adviser—before signing. We are happy to guide you in the language you feel most comfortable with.
People Also Ask
What should I do first after a non-fault motorbike crash in England?
Which insurer should I claim through if I’m not at fault?
Can I get a like-for-like hire motorbike after a non-fault crash?
What’s the difference between MIB uninsured and untraced?
Are crash-for-cash scams a risk for riders?
Call: 020 4577 1120 ·
WhatsApp: 07585 300 600
Conclusion — keep calm, keep moving,
keep it clean
empathy & path
Crashes steal your time, income and calm. With evidence captured, a route chosen that fits your case, and a need-proofed hire only if required, you stay mobile without piling up avoidable costs. The links above let you double-check every step anytime (GOV.UK, MoneyHelper, GTA, MIB, DfT).
If your bike isn’t rideable or you’re stuck choosing a route, talk it through with a trustworthy friend. See Bikers & Delivery , Recovery & Storage , Replacement Vehicles , and Vehicle Repairs . Then call when you’re ready.
Mandatory Disclaimer
Accident Assist Network assists you after a non-fault accident by co-ordinating vehicle recovery, reputable repairs, cash-in-lieu settlements for total-loss vehicles and like-for-like replacement hire—whether for personal use, licensed taxi work or bike—through our network of independent specialist companies across England. Because our role is one of practical facilitation rather than financial advice, we are not authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority, and our services are not covered by the Financial Ombudsman Service or the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. If the at-fault insurer delays or disputes payment you may become liable for credit services or other charges set out in your contract. Please read every document thoroughly and, if anything is unclear, ask us—or an independent adviser—before signing. We are happy to guide you in the language you feel most comfortable with.
